Is putting on some weight after surgery, normal?

I'm a bit concern due to no activities cause of my tummy tuck, I've gained 5 pounds. I started some Cardio and a lil using weights no more than 10 pounds. Should this get me through til I go back to the gym?

Doctor Answers 6

Weight after tummy tuck

August 15th, 2016

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You’d be surprised at how much swelling can affect your weight. Fluid retention can add a few pounds to your post-operative weight. However, if you follow a healthy eating plan after surgery and follow your surgeon’s care instructions, you should not gain any weight caused by fat. Once you’re cleared to exercise again, you’ll quickly regain your tone.

Post-Op Tummy Tuck Healing

August 10th, 2016

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Within a few hours following surgery, abdominoplasty patients will walk in a slightly bent-over position. Strenuous activity and lifting of more than 10 pounds should be avoided for six weeks after surgery. Most patients are able to return to work and daily activities within two weeks of surgery. You can return to full activity without restrictions at 6 weeks.Likely you have not gained any body weight but swelling or holding water in the area where the incision is healing. Swelling can persist for several months and will gradually improve and will look better at three months, six months, and even one year. Frequently the pubic area and the scrotal and penis area for men can become very swollen and discolored during the first two weeks due to gravity as this is the lowest area for swelling to accumulate.

Is putting on some weight after surgery, normal?

August 10th, 2016

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Thank you for the question. It is not unusual to gain weight post operative because of fluid retention. As the swelling subsides in 3-6 months you will feel and look different. It is best to discuss with your board certified plastic surgeon to discuss their protocol to resume exercising. Good luck.

Tummy Tuck Pictures

Is putting on some weight after surgery, normal? = it means diet hasn't been modified after surgery #tt #tummytuck

August 10th, 2016

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After a tummy tuck, patients have strict activity restrictions for at least 6 to 8 weeks after surgery ( to avoid jeopardizing the healing process). Therefore, during this time patient are usually not allowed to do gym training.In my practice, I tell patients that during the tummy tuck healing process, patients should modify their diet so they don't gain weight during the period of mandated activity restrictions. Eating unhealthy or diet with a lot of carbs during while not been able to exercise (tummy tuck healing process) will undoubtedly result in weight gain.

I tell my patients never to weigh themselves for the first couple weeks or so after their tummy tuck because the body will definitely retain fluid after this procedure.

Because of this fluid retention which is the body's way of protecting itself, most patients will weigh more than they did (early on) after their tummy tuck.

However, as the weeks go by after the tummy tuck, your body will definitely become less swollen, and this extra fluid will go away.

Additionally, as you point out, most patients aren't exercising as much as they did prior to their tummy tuck during the first month after their operation. Most of my patients are quite afraid that they will gain weight due to this decrease in exercise. BUT, I always remind them not to worry! With time they (and you) will be back to exercising normally and will lose any extra weight that may have been gained during the post-operative period.

Post op tummy tuck

August 17th, 2016

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I don't exactly know where you are in your post op course to answer your question. Too much initial activity can result in more swelling which takes longer to resolve. Consult your plastic surgeon to be sure.

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